Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.
Deuteronomy 15:10 NIV
When we think of the law that God gave Israel through Moses, it is tempting to think of it as just a series of rules they were expected to live by. And much of it was in the form of “don’t do this” or “don’t do that.” While the law does contain many such rules, it is much more than that. If the people obeyed the precepts of the law, they would be able to live healthy and peaceful lives together as the people of God. The law was an enabler to having a healthy community.
Giving to the Poor
And this verse expresses a common theme of the law, providing for the poor and needy within the community. Israel was encouraged to give generously to them without a grudging heart. To give generously because of how much God had done for them. And the promise that accompanied this instruction was that God would, in turn, bless all they did.
This precept is not just one that belongs to ancient Israel and its law. It is just as true for believers today as it was for them. There are many people today who are genuinely in need. If you are able, give generously and freely to the poor that you encounter. And know that your generosity will not be forgotten. The Lord will bless you because of it. Not just in this life, but also in the life to come.
The words from these parables, strike deep in my heart. I thought, because I only had a little, that I didn’t have any, to give to those less fortunate. I didn’t have the faith, even though I may have had the knowledge.
Generosity can be hard when it seems we have little. But the Scripture challenges us to give generously regardless. And that God will bless us for it.